It’s that time of year again! Here are 8 back-to-school projects you can do at home to get your kids ready for school now that summer is almost over. Hope you all have a smooth transition going back to the classroom!
1. Bookworm Pencil Holder
Supplies:
- Green construction paper
- Toilet paper roll
- Rubber cement
- Scissors
- Black Marker
- Construction paper in color of your choice
- Sheet of white paper
- Pipe cleaner
Directions:
- Cut the sheet of green construction paper so it covers the toilet paper roll. Using rubber cement, wrap and the glue the paper around the toilet paper roll. Using any excess green construction paper, sketch two arms then cut them out.
- Cut out a rectangle out of the colored paper of your choice and fold it so it looks like a book. Glue the book to the worm’s hands, and then glue the arms and book to the toilet paper roll.
- Cut the worm’s eyes out of white paper. Draw on pupils, and then glue on the eyes and draw the worm’s face on the toilet paper roll.
- Bend a piece of pipe cleaner into a pair of glasses. To secure the glasses, use a paper clip, and then fill your bookworm with your favorite pencils!
2. Paper Plate Apple
Supplies:
- Paper plates
- Red paint
- Green paint
- Paintbrush
- Green and brown construction paper
- Black marker
- Scissors
- Glue
- Craft knife (for adult use only!)
Directions:
- Start by cutting a small piece out of the top and bottom of 1 plate to make it more the shape of an apple. Cut along the rim of the second paper plate to make a small worm-like shape.
- Paint your larger paper plate red. Paint the worm green. Set them aside to dry!
- Cut out an apple stem using the brown paper and a leaf using the green paper.
- FOR ADULTS: Cut a slit on the red paper plate for the worm to slide into.
- Glue the apple stem and leaf onto the top of the paper plate. Slide the worm into the slit of the paper plate so its head is sticking out a bit. Finish by drawing on some eyes and a smile for the worm!
3. Back to School Countdown Chain
Supplies:
- Yellow construction paper
- A few sheets of colored paper of your choice
- Scissors
- Rubber cement
- Pencil
- Stapler
- Black marker
Directions:
- Sketch a school bus on the yellow paper then cut it out. Using a black marker, color in the bus’ wheels and windows.
- Cut the colored paper into long strips, about an inch thick. Round the first strip into a circle and secure it to the bottom of the bus with a stapler. The first circle can also be attached to the bus with rubber cement.
- Stick the next strip into the first circle and create a loop. Secure it with a staple. Repeat looping the paper strips through the previous circle until you’ve created a chain. To use the chain, remove a circle each day to countdown to the first day of school!
4. Paper Plate School Bus
Supplies:
- Paper plate
- Yellow paint
- Black paint (or black construction paper)
- Black marker
- Paintbrush
- Scissors
- Glue
Directions:
- Cut your paper plate in half, directly down the middle.
- Paint the plate yellow on one side. Set aside to dry!
- Cut out two circles with black construction paper or you can paint black onto any color and then glue the wheels onto the bottom of the bus!
- Paint or glue on windows to the bus! For a fun activity, make them shapes so your child can learn the difference between a square and a triangle. Then just let it dry and you’ve got yourself a paper plate school bus!
5. Bookmarks
Bookmarks are easy to make and will add a little touch of love to your child’s backpack as they head back to school.
Dress up basic snacks for some extra fun!
7. First Day of School Photographs
Here’s an idea for a special first day of school photo op!
8. Back to School Popsicle Stick Pencil Craft
Summer is almost over—why not make a Popsicle stick pencil? Kids get to paint, glue, and cut!